Natural Remedies for Softening and Removing Plaque in Dogs

Three Dachshunds sitting side by side indoors, looking at the camera. The background features geometric-patterned furniture and a yellow dachshund-shaped ornament.

Natural remedies can help control plaque, the soft film that forms on your dog's teeth. None of them softens or removes tartar that has already hardened. Once tartar is on the teeth, only a professional cleaning under anaesthetic removes it. What you can do at home is stop new plaque from forming and keep existing deposits from growing.

Key takeaways

  • Daily brushing is the most reliable home care. Coconut oil can be used as a brushing aid, but we found no good study in dogs showing that it softens or removes plaque.
  • Enzymatic dog toothpaste helps limit plaque bacteria when you brush. It does not dissolve tartar.
  • Dental wipes can remove soft plaque and freshen breath for dogs that will not accept a brush. They cannot remove tartar.
  • We do not recommend bones as a dental aid, because they can fracture teeth.
  • Powdered seaweed from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum has the best evidence of the natural supplements for controlling plaque and tartar.

Understanding dog tartar

This image is an infographic detailing the areas of a dog’s mouth prone to plaque buildup. On the left, a list of key points reads: “Incisors need extra brushing, as they miss out on bone-cleaning action. Plaque loves to linger along the gumline. Molars and premolars trap food, so plaque builds up. Behind the canines are plaque hotspots.” On the right, a diagram of a dog’s mouth is displayed with labeled parts: Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and Molars, on both the upper and lower jaws. The areas prone to plaque are highlighted. The background is white, with black text and colorful illustrations to distinguish each tooth type. The infographic is informative and visually guides pet owners on where to focus dental care efforts.

Tartar, also called dental calculus, is a hard deposit that forms when plaque stays on the teeth and mineralises. It can cover the tooth surface and spread below the gumline. Signs include yellow or brown colouring near the gumline and bad breath. Left alone, tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and infections that spread beyond the mouth.

A close-up of a dog’s mouth, showing clean, sharp canine teeth and a pink gumline.

Health issues caused by tartar

Gum disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is the most common result. It starts as gingivitis, with red, inflamed gums. If it is not treated, the gums recede, bone is lost and teeth loosen or fall out. Bacteria in the plaque drive the process, and it is painful.

This image shows the open mouth of a dog affected by periodontal disease. The dog's teeth are heavily covered in tartar and plaque, with a brownish discoloration extending onto the gums, which appear inflamed. The canines and other teeth have a yellow-brown tint, and the gum line is receded, suggesting significant dental neglect. This condition may lead to more severe health issues if not treated properly. The inner mouth appears moist and there's a visible pink tongue, contrasting with the unhealthy condition of the teeth and gums.

Tooth problems and infections

Dogs often hide dental pain until the problem is advanced. Bacteria trapped under tartar can cause infected gums, loose teeth and abscesses, and infection in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body. Regular veterinary check-ups and professional cleanings are the way to deal with these problems.

See your vet if your dog has bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, trouble eating, drooling, or breath that smells worse than usual.

Natural remedies for plaque

A white bowl filled with dry dog food, lightly coated with a green powdered supplement.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is popular for dogs' teeth. Studies in people suggest that rinsing the mouth with coconut oil may reduce plaque, but we found no good study in dogs showing that it softens or removes plaque, and it is not a replacement for toothpaste. If you want to use it as a brushing aid:

  1. Put a small amount on a dog toothbrush or a gauze pad.
  2. Brush gently, paying extra attention to the gumline and the back teeth.
  3. Start with a very small amount and build up slowly.
  4. Ask your vet first if your dog has had pancreatitis, because coconut oil is high in fat.

Enzymatic toothpaste

Enzymatic toothpaste made for dogs contains enzymes that limit plaque bacteria. It works as part of brushing and does not dissolve tartar. Apply it with a toothbrush or finger brush, and never use human toothpaste.

Dental wipes

Dental wipes rub the tooth surface, which can lift soft plaque, and they freshen breath. They are a useful option for dogs that will not accept a toothbrush. They cannot remove tartar.

Dental chews

Chews that help control plaque or tartar have been tested for it and carry the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Many chews have not been tested, so check the seal at vohc.org. Choose chews that you can indent with a fingernail, and supervise your dog.

Bones and hard chews

A promotional banner featuring a Canident supplement container, a "Learn More" button, and a happy Australian Shepherd, with text highlighting the product’s benefits for plaque control.

We do not recommend bones as a dental aid. Veterinary dentists see fractured teeth from bones, both cooked and raw, and from antlers, cow hooves and hard nylon chews. If a chew will not dent under your fingernail, it is too hard.

Seaweed supplements

The best evidence among natural supplements is for powdered Ascophyllum nodosum. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 60 dogs, treats containing it reduced plaque, tartar and breath compounds over 90 days compared with placebo. The dogs had a professional cleaning first, so the trial shows control of new build-up, not removal of existing tartar. It tested a branded product, and we are not aware of trials of our own blends.

Canident is a powder made from three organic Irish brown seaweeds, mixed into food once a day. Seaweed contains natural iodine, so it is not recommended for dogs with thyroid problems, and total seaweed in the diet should stay below 5% of the feed. You can read more about our dental range on our diet and supplements page.

What to do to keep plaque under control

  1. Ask your vet to check your dog's teeth. If tartar is already present, a professional cleaning under anaesthetic is the way to remove it.
  2. Brush daily with a soft toothbrush and dog toothpaste, which is the most reliable way to remove plaque.
  3. Choose diets and chews that carry the VOHC seal.
  4. Use wipes if your dog will not accept a brush.
  5. Add a seaweed supplement if you want one, alongside brushing and not instead of it.
  6. Do not scrape tartar off at home with a scaler or other tool. It can damage the enamel and gums, and the build-up below the gumline stays.

FAQs

How can I naturally soften plaque on my dog's teeth?

Soft plaque is removed mainly by brushing. Natural aids such as coconut oil, wipes and seaweed supplements may help limit it, but nothing natural softens tartar that has already hardened.

Can I remove plaque from my dog's teeth at home?

You can remove soft plaque by brushing daily. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic, and scraping it at home with a scaler is not safe.

Are there natural supplements that help with plaque?

Powdered Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed has the best evidence, as described above. Check with your vet first if your dog has a thyroid problem or other health condition.

How often should I use these remedies?

Brush daily. Other aids, such as wipes, chews and supplements, are used alongside brushing on the schedule shown on the product.

An Australian Shepherd lying on grass beside a Canident supplement container.